KMW News

Srinagar: Calling for status quo as far as United States has been doing on Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Monday said that mediation by the Obama administration into the issue was unacceptable.

The Chief Minister also announced that the rehabilitation policy for youth, wishing to return from Pakistan Administration Kashmir unarmed, would be cleared in the first cabinet meeting in Jammu in coming days.

“What role I would like to see President Obama or any US administration to play is the one that they have been so far playing from time to time and that is to facilitate the process between India and Pakistan,” Omar said responding to a question during Press Conference after move offices re-opened in the wintwre capital.

“We are extremely sensitive to anything that appears even close to mediation and that obviously is not acceptable… from time to time, the US administration as a friend came forward and facilitated when it was required,” he said.

Recalling Kargil, he said the most high-profile intervention was after the intrusions in 2000 when then US President Bill Clinton summoned Pak premier Nawaz Sharif to America.

“So really if the US wants to help, then they can perhaps try to get Pakistan to see things from our point of view and help the process from behind the scene,” he said.

“We do not require any sort of overt mediation and that is too much to ask… but, we can at least expect that they do not look at India through the prism of Af-Pak policy. I know it is difficult for they have troops serving in Afghanistan, but we have our own considerations,” he said, urging that the situation should not be seen through the prism of Pakistan.

To a question about the rehabilitation policy for the youth willing to return to the State from across LoC, he said it has been finalized and awaits Cabinet nod. “I expect its clearance by the Cabinet in its next meet”, he said and made it clear once again that rehabilitation policy was totally different from the surrender policy already in place in the State.

Omar Abdullah Monday said that he stood by the statement made in the Assembly regarding the political reality of the state and advised those who talk about the issue outside the House to deliberate upon it in the Legislature.

“I stand by what I said and do not want to change any part of it. Those who have gone through the entire speech completely agreed with its substance and even those who later tried to make noise on the issue outside the House, appreciated the speech by thumping the desks in the Assembly”, he said as per a Correspondent.

He said that any person should use the forum of legislature to talk about the substance of my speech instead of making statements outside the House.

To query about his meeting with US president Barack during dinner in New Delhi, Omar Abdullah said that he utilized the opportunity. “I did talk about Jammu and Kashmir and shared my views with them. I was able to tell them about Jammu and Kashmir and invited them to visit the State at some appropriate time in the future. It was an informal interaction”, he explained.

The Chief Minister said that media should wait till the conclusion of the visit of President Obama and the release of joint statement. “It is better to pass judgment after hearing the speech of US President in the Parliament and other meetings and issuance of joint statement. Till last night he has completed his business and other engagement. The operative part of his visit starts from today”, he said and asked the media persons not to be haste in making judgment over the President’s statements about the terrorism and Pakistan.

He said that the President Obama’s suggestion to India and Pakistan to focus on resolving lesser complex issues in first place and gradually moving to more compound matters was in line with the policy of India regarding comprehensive dialogue between the two countries. He said US can help in facilitating the dialogue between the two countries as a friend but the Indian position about mediation is loud and clear.

Replying another question, the Chief Minister said that people in Valley have fed up with the regular hartals as such their reaction against the constant hartal calendars was but natural. “There is fatigue about hartals, as such, are raising voices against this tactics”.

Omar Abdullah said that when he talked about the corruption menace and its effects on lower level, he meant that people face the brunt of corruption mostly on the lower level for getting day-to-day matters cleared from the offices like obtaining driving licenses, ration cards, revenue papers, no demand certificates etc. He said the corruption on both higher and lower levels were hazards and need eradication to make the governance good and public delivery effective and smooth.

To query about Central University at Jammu, the Chief Minster said that he has interacted about the early appointment of Vice Chancellor for the University, with the Indian Human Resources Development Minister, Kapil Sibal only yesterday. “I have stressed for early decision by the Union Ministry in this direction. The land has already been identified for the establishment of University and in order to move ahead, the placement of Vice Chancellor was imperative”, he said.

The Chief Minister said that government would focus on making good of the losses caused by the law and order situation in the Valley during last five months by re-doubling its efforts to fast track development process.

Earlier, he received a guard of honour by smartly dressed contingent of state’s armed force as the civil secretariat offices opened.

Srinagar Life across the summer capital of the state remained crippled for the third consecutive day Monday in view of the civil curfew called by pro-freedom Hurriyat Conference (G) spearheading the ongoing ‘Quit Kashmir’ campaign.

Syed Ali Shah Geelani led Hurriyat faction in the latest resistance programme announced last week, had called for civil curfew for three consecutive days across the Valley beginning November 5, to attract the attention of United States, President, Barrack Hussain Obama who is currently on a trip to India. The veteran leader had also urged the internet users to submit online memorandum to the visiting dignitary.

Reports said that life remained affected for the third consecutive day today in almost all the major towns and districts of the Valley in view of the shutdown, called by Hurriyat Conference. All shops, government and private offices, banks and financial institutions, petrol pumps, business establishments remained closed throughout the day in response to the strike call. However, thin attendance was witnessed in government run offices and educational institutions. Public transport was also off the roads, while private vehicles were seen plying on all the major roads and highways across the Valley.

In Srinagar, the capital city, thousands of paramilitary CRPF troops and policemen armed with sophisticated weapons and riot gear guarded the deserted streets, lanes and by lanes to foil any attempt of the people to stage pro-freedom and anti-India demonstrations. However, co curfew or restrictions were imposed on the movement of people.

Reports of a complete shutdown have also been received from rest of the nine districts of the Valley.

“Preceding night passed off peacefully. So far, there are no reports of any untoward incident from any place. Situation at this hour is normal and under control throughout Kashmir valley,” a police spokesman in a statement said.

“There are no curfew restrictions across valley today,” the statement added.

New Delhi: US President Barack Obama backed India for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council today, a dramatic diplomatic gesture to his hosts as he wrapped up his three-day visit.

“The just and sustainable international order that America seeks includes a United Nations that is efficient, effective, credible, and legitimate,” Obama said in prepared remarks. “That is why I can say today — in the years ahead, I look forward to a reformed UN Security Council that includes India as a permanent member.”

Obama also said the Washington-Delhi relationship would be one of this century’s defining partnerships.

He was applauded as he told dignitaries: “As two global leaders, the United States and India can partner for global security – especially as India serves on the Security Council over the next two years.

Obama was making the announcement in a speech to the Parliament on the third and final day of his visit. In doing so, he fulfilled what was perhaps India’s dearest wish for Obama’s trip here.

US President became the first foreign dignitary to sign the “Golden Book” in Parliament. This is a visitor’s book introduced by Lok Sabha Speaker

Addressing a joint session of Parliament Obama said that over last three days my wife Michelle and I have experienced the beauty and dynamism of the people of India.

My confidence in India is grounded in respect for its treasured past and civilisation which has shaped the world over thousands of years, he said.

According to Agencies, Obama also spoke about continued cooperation between India and the United States on tackling the global menace of terrorism, and the shared interest in the Afghan-Pak region. “The United States will not abandon the people of Afghanistan — or the region — to the violent extremists who threaten us all,” said Obama. The US President has said earlier that US will pull out of Afghanistan in 2011.

“Our strategy to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat Al-Qaida and its affiliates has to succeed on both sides of the border. That is why we have worked with the Pakistani government to address the threat of terrorist networks in the border region,” he added.

On Pakistan, Obama reiterated what he has said on this three day trip to India consistently. “We will continue to insist to Pakistan’s leaders that terrorist safe-havens within their borders are unacceptable, and that the terrorists behind the Mumbai attacks be brought to justice.”

“We must also recognize that all of us have an interest in both an Afghanistan and a Pakistan that is stable, prosperous and democratic — and none more so than India. In pursuit of regional security, we will continue to welcome dialogue between India and Pakistan, even as we recognize that disputes between your two countries can only be resolved by the people of your two countries,” said Obama.

nt for about 30 minutes in the Central Hall, which had been decked up for the occasion. Vice President Hamid Ansari made the opening address and the vote of thanks was given by the Lok Sabha speaker.

“We admire the tenacity of the American spirit and its capacity for introspection and course correction,” said Ansari, welcoming President Obama. The Lok Sabha Speaker spoke of the “compulsion of our times to work together to eliminate the scourge terrorism” as she thanked the US President and all those present.

On Kashmir, Obama said that US cannot impose solutions to these problems. I have indicated to Prime Minister that we are happy to play any role the parties think is appropriate in reducing tensions. It is in the interest of the two countries, region and the US.

“So, my hope is that conversations may be taking place between the two countries but they may not start on that particular flashpoint,” he said.

The US president is next due to visit Indonesia, South Korea and Japan on a 10-day Asian tour designed to boost US exports.

Srinagar: Two unknown militants were killed in two different encounters in Karnah and Tanghdar sectors, along the line of control (LoC) in North Kashmir’s Kupwara district, while militants attacked a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) post in Sopore town of Baramulla district, official sources on Monday said.

Srinagar based, Army spokesman J S Brar said Army’s 15 Kamaun last evening confronted a group of heavily armed militants who tried to sneak into this side of LoC through Chayagali in Tangdhar sector. On being challenged, Brar said the infiltrators opened heavy fire on the Army.

“In the exchange of fire that continued for over an hour, one militant was killed. The infiltration bid was foiled,” he said.

In another encounter between Army’s 11 JAT and militants near Ganta post along the LoC in Karnah sector last evening, the Army spokesman said one unidentified militant was killed.

“The encounter is still in progress,” he added.

Meanwhile, unidentified militants last night tried to blow up a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) picket in Sopore town of Baramulla district.

Correspondent from North Kashmir said that unidentified militants lobbed a grenade and opened heavy fire at the CRPF picket near State Bank of India, main Chowk last evening. The CRPF returned the fire sparking off fierce gun battle that continued for over 20 minutes. The firing triggered panic in main Chowk and the adjoin areas with people running helter skelter.

“The attack came all of a sudden. We heard a loud explosion, followed by heavy exchange of gunfire. The encounter last for over 20 minutes,” Abdul Aziz, an eyewitness said.

However, police have denied the reports of militant attack on the troopers.

“There was no militant attack on any picket manned by the CRPF men,” Superintendent of Police (SP) Sopore, Altaf Khan said.

Srinagar: A local court Monday said that it would issue a public notice calling for recording of statements into the death of a teenager, Wamiq Farooq, in old city here in January this year.

“I deem it proper to issue a notice to the general public who are fully acquainted with the fact of the case and get statement recorded on spot in order to ascertain the truth of complainant so that a detailed report on the basis of enquiry can be submit before the Chief judicial Magistrate Srinagar,” Special Judicial Mobile Magistrate PT&E Srinagar said.

The court said that complainant was directed to furnish publication expense within three days time to so that the notice can be published in daily newspapers. “So that I can go to the spot on 16 November and get the statement of the witnesses recorded on spot and also ascertain and also draw,” the court said.

Earlier, the court said it received the file from Chief Judicial Magistrate, asking it to submit the file along with findings and draw a report on the basis of enquiry. “On the evidence which has been tendered by the complainant, it is not possible to draw a report therefore it is deemed proper to go on to the spot and see the place of occurrence and to ascertain the truthfulness of the witness who have already deposed before the court by ascertaining the place from where they have watched the occurrence.”

Pertinently, 13-year-old Wamiq , a resident of Rainawari, Srinagar was killed when police allegedly fired tear smoke shell at him in the Rajouri Kadal in old city on January 31 last.

MUZAFFARABAD: Azad Kashmir-based militant organisations have initiated a joint campaign with the support of different politico-religious parties to mobilise the people for an en masse breaching of the Line of Control to protest India’s refusal to grant the right of self-determination to the people of Indian Kashmir.

The Line of Control (LoC) is the de facto border that separates Indian and Pakistani parts of the disputed Himalayan state.

Militant outfits and politico-religious parties have already stepped up their efforts to mobilise the people for what they call ‘an unprecedented’ move in the face of continuing Indian atrocities in the region.

These parties, including the Jamaat-e-Islami, the Azad Kashmir chapter of PML-N, Muttahida Jihad Council and refugees’ organisations believe that the Indian troops would not be able to confront when tens of thousands of people would cross the LoC en masse.

In this connection, the United Jihad Council, an umbrella group of nearly a dozen Kashmiri militant outfits, is preparing its activists for the ‘decisive move’.

The Jamaat-ud-Dawa and the Azad Kashmir chapter of Jamaat-e-Islami are actively promoting the plan, believing that Indian troops would not open fire on tens of thousands unarmed civilians who would try to cross the LoC.

They believe that one million people can be amassed to breach the control line which has divided tens of thousands of mothers from their sons and sisters for decades.

The idea of breaching the LoC en masse has been conceptualised by jihadi and politico-religious parties in Azad Kashmir, following a new uprising against Indian rule on the other side of the LoC.

Pakistan has been calling for a peace resolution of the festering dispute with India. And critics say that the participation of banned militant organisations, such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jash-i-Muhammad and Harkat-ul-Mujahideen, in the LoC breaching could hurt any effort to this end.

No date has been finalised for the move, but Azad Kasmir President Raja Zulqarnain has been contacting mainstream political parties and the Pakistan government to seek their support.

Several similar attempts had been made in the past to cross the LoC, the most important ones being those in 1954, 1990, 1992, 1993 and 1994.

However, the first successful attempt was made on February 11, 1990 when thousands of youth breached the LoC at Chakothi sector on a call from the Jammu Kashmir National Students Federation (JKNSF). Indian troops had opened fire on the unarmed students, killing eight of them on the spot.

Jammu/Srinagar: Taking serious view of recent Shopian incident in which innocent persons were killed by stone pelters, the Chief Minister,. Omar Abdullah has also sanctioned Rs.5 lakh for the kith and kin of such deceased. Earlier the decision was taken to pay 5 lakh for the kith and kin of those who lost their precious life during this recent turmoil.

Today the Chief Minister decided to pay equal amount of compensation to the families of those people who were killed by stone pelters. There has been several occasion earlier also when innocent peoples lost their lives on the hands of stone pelters. Several people were also injured by stone pelters. The latest decision taken by the Chief Minister has been hailed by the peoples particularly large number of mourners who assembled at the residences of those who lost their life as result of stone pelting at Shopian.

The cheques worth Rupees five lakh each were distributed by Minister for Rural Development, Ali Mohammad Sagar and Minister for Social Welfare, Ms. Sakina Itoo, who were specially deputed by the Chief Minister to disburse these cheques for families of the victims of the stone pelting.

Meanwhile Large number of people in historical Lal Chowk held anti Hartal rally. People were demonstrating against loss of 2700 crore affecting all sections of the society as a result of four months continuous Hartaal. They were raising slogans against loss of thousands of crores to Bus owners, Matador owners, Sumo owners, Auto owners, Load carrier owners. The demonstrators were asking questions to the rationality, reasonability of resorting unprecedented kind of Hartaala which has no parallel in any civilised society. They were asking question to the perpetrators of Hartaal about the choosing of time particularly from june 1st when actually tourist season starts in Kashmir as a result of which 25 lac tourists who had decided to visit Kashmir during summer changed their destination and spend their holiday time in the neighbouring states HP, Dehradun, Manali, Goa, Delhousi and other places.

They were of the opinion that each Hotelier, Houseboat Walla, Shikara Walla, tourist Taxi Walla, people associated with handicrafts and handloom has faced lot of on slot on economy which has not only broken their backs, but they are not able to pay their monthly interests to the bank not to talk of principal amount which they had taken on loan for renovation and upgradation of their business.

The demonstration were also lamenting on miserable and sick state mind which have pioneered the slogan of no education for people of Kashmir. They were also of the opinion that lakhs of Kashmiris left to other places for the sake of education as schools, colleges and university from 1st to PHD level were locked. They said that it is pride for all civilised society when their sons receive doctorate or PG in different subjects and people definitely celebrate for the same but here in the valley of Kashmirchildren were stoned for the sin as they desired to go to school. They said if education is a sin then why perpetrators of ideology of locking schools send their kins and kiths to luxurious schools. The demonstrators were openly speaking that the people who throw stones on ambulances on, private vehicles, buses, scooters etc. were doing same for their abnormal monthly emoluments given to them by such perpetrators.

They said Hajis go hajj pilgrimage and the society celebrates the same and shower flowers on them but Kashmir will be only place on earth were hajis were not spared by stonepelters.

They were of the opinion that continuous Hartaal resorted by shopkeepers in particularly in residency road, Lal chowk, HSHS, Magarmal bagh etc, is required to be observed with the fact that maximum of these shops belong to the govt departments like estates, R & B, custodian, SMC and these original allottess have given these on sublet to unauthorised people for running these shops. The customers at large are suffering as a result of continuous Hartaal resorted by these unauthorised shopkeepers.

The demonstrators were of the opinion that perpetrators of violence who owe crores of rupees as tax to govt should be asked to pay their taxes. They should not create abnormal situation to save their taxes and take entire society on ransom.

The demonstrators condemned the killing of truck driver and other people near Shopian, who died due to stone pelting in the area. They said murder case should be lodged not only against the stonepelters but also against all of them who support stone throwing. They were of the opinion that majority of the people are against stone throwing and this is time when we should tell civilised world that Kashmir belongs to us and not to few hundred stone throwers who had not education back ground, reasonability and rationality.

At the time of demonstration, no doubt some stonepelters appeared in Lal Chowk but with the strong determination, the peaceful demonstrators continued their slogans against Hartaal, violence and stone throwing.

However, ahead Eid-ul-Azha which is on 17th of this month the protest calendar has been framed keeping the needs of the people in mind. People been asking to observe strike on November 12, 13 and 15 only.

“Keeping this sacred festival in mind (Eid-ul-Azha) we have issued protest calendar with lot of relation,” spokesman of Hurriyat (G) Ayaz Akbar told.

“There will be relation during hartal (strike) days from 5 pm to 7 am in the morning.” He added.

Srinagar: While calling his faction a ‘pro-resolution’ force, chairman moderate Hurriyat Mirwaiz Umar Farooq today reiterated that third party intervention was a must in resolving Kashmir as bilateral engagements of the past hadn’t yielded any substantial progress regarding the resolution 63 year old issue.

He urged upon the US to facilitate tripartite dialogue involving India, Pakistan and Kashmir if it wanted to bring about peace in South Asia region.

“We don’t want direct involvement of the US regarding Kashmir issue but want it to facilitate the tripartite dialogue. The US, over the years, has stated its wish to bring about peace in South Asian; it can be only achieved if Kashmir issue was resolved. There is a huge deficit between India and Pakistan; US can mediate by bringing both the countries together,” Mirwaiz told reporters during a press conference at his Nigeen Residence.

Referring to the various bilateral engagements between India and Pakistan and India and Kashmiri leaders, Mirwaiz felt, that tripartite dialogue was a way to go about resolving Kashmir issue, what he believed was a’ political’ one.

According to correspondent, he said, we want political resolution of this political issue. Bilateral engagements of past like Shimla or Agra agreement, Indira-Abdullah or Rajiv-Farooq Accord, haven’t done enough.

Mirwaiz, on the occasion, divulged details about his amalgam’s signature campaign started 24th last month, which according to him was a ‘symbolic gesture’ to impress upon Barack Obama to intervene in order to resolve Kashmir issue.

The petition, Mirwaiz said, was signed by nearly 2 lakh people in Indian Kashmir besides thousands in Pakistan’s Kashmir and would be sent to US embassies in New Delhi and Islamabad respectively to put forward viewpoint of Kashmiris before him.

Mirwaiz, who is also the chief cleric of the valley, said India can achieve its economic goals if there was political stability in the region, which, he felt, could be possible only after resolution of Kashmir issue.

“We know Obama’s visit to India will focus on economic development of India and Pakistan. But India can’t achieve its economic goals till there is a political stability in the region. For that it has to resolve Kashmir issue. It was in the national interest of India to resolve the issue,” he said.

He warned that if Kashmir issue was put on a backburner even after this summer’s ‘peaceful movement’, Kashmir’s might resort to an ‘armed struggle’ to make them heard.

Mirwaiz urged the US to appoint a special envoy for South Asia region and said, “US should appoint a special envoy for South Asia region as they have done in issues Palestine, Afghanistan, Kosovo and Northern Ireland.”

While praising Indian Civil Society groups for their efforts to put across the Kashmir viewpoint in India, Mirwaiz expressed his surprise over Indian Political parties’ ‘objectionable reaction’ to the appeals from Kashmiris for the third party intervention.

“It is an internationally accepted political rule (third party intervention). India approaches World Bank and International Monetary Fund when it is confronted with economic problems but raises objections when there is a need for the same during political disputes like Kashmir,” he said.

Advocating unification of all pro-freedom groups, he said, that there was a need for a Common Minimum Programme to make sure that freedom struggle wasn’t affected and common man didn’t suffer either.

“While giving protest calendars we should make sure that freedom struggle doesn’t lose its momentum and problems of common man are also taken care of,” he said.

Reacting to the twin incidents of ‘threats’ to Sikh community by ‘uniformed men’ at Mattan and Baramulla in a span of three days Mirwaiz feared that some ‘vested interest’ groups were hell bent on disrupting communal harmony in the valley.

“There are some elements that want minorities and majority community to fight amongst each other but we won’t let it happen. We have already made it a point that joint coordination committee of majority and minority groups is formed to keep intact the communal harmony in the valley,” Mirwaiz said adding that when his faction talks about Kashmir it includes minorities as well.